philosophy

The success of populists such as Donald Trump shows that rhetoric now has more influence in politics than truth – or does it? This course uses up to date research to examine the rhetoric and political dynamics of populism.
Topics include: definitions of political populism, rhetoric and manipulation, rhetoric and the public good, the tools of rhetoric, case studies : how rhetoric is used in populism – and how it can be used in informed debates about populism.

To some ‘post truth’ means freedom from the tyranny of rationality and experts. To others it is another word for ‘lies’. Develop and practice philosophical skills to understand truth and post truth better and to evaluate claims that we now live in a ‘post truth age’. We will cover: 1. what we mean by ‘true’ in everyday language; 2. Definitions of ‘post truth’; 3. Different philosophical ways of understanding truth; 4. How the proponents of post truth and ‘fake news’ understand truth; 5. How to analyse arguments philosophically; 6. whether rationality is the opposite of emotion; 7. The relationship between argument and rhetoric; 8. how to apply the techniques of philosophical analysis to ‘post truth’ claims.

Have you ever wondered what philosophy is really about and what philosophers do? Have you found philosophy books bewildering? This is a beginners’ guide to typical philosophical topics and styles, from practical thinking skills to metaphysical ideas.